AUDITION’S NOW OPEN for the much anticipated play, Rossum’s Universal Robots by Karel Capek.The Victorian Drama League Award Winning and 5 time Lyre Birds nominated Burwood Student Theatre Company brings you this Art Deco, Sci-Fi piece exploring human nature. Adapted by Director Ashlee Lambton a play written almost 100yrs ago, that introduced the word Robot into the English language, has never been more relevant to today’s society.Be part of a show that’ll fascinate and charm audiences!

The factory called Rossum’s Universal Robots manufactures humanoid creatures, i.e. Robots, that look practically identical to humans. They are the work force of the world. Helena daughter of the company President discovers the truth of what’s happening at RUR and meets the Managers of the operation. Meanwhile the world transforms with the influx of robots. Is humanity doomed? Will the world end in War? Or will we learn our mistakes in time?

Audition / Rehearsal / Production dates

Rehearsals will be twice a week (1 weeknight and 1 weekend) starting after casting. There will be one rehearsal weekend that will be confirmed once casting is finalised. Tech rehearsals: 12th-14th of August Performances: 15th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd & 24th of August

Job payment

This job is unpaid

Fee details - There will be a cast fee (TBC - approx $40)

Helena Glory

(She/Her pronouns)The Daughter of President Glory, one of the owners of the R.U.R factory; and member of the Humanity League.Naïve and good hearted Helena acts first and thinks second, often finding herself in more trouble than she can handle. She’s always invested in the compassion of humans, and works towards helping people see the humanity in robots. Her cause is noble and she’s focused on helping the robots for the betterment of society.

Females, aged 18 to 30 from Victoria, Australia

Harry/Harriet Domin

(Open to All Genders; written as male)The Boss of R.U.R, Domin runs the factory. They have grand visions of utopia, with a god complex everyone can see but themselves. Domin is optimistic, charismatic, and always has an answer/able to talk their way out of any situation. Actor must be able to command a room, and memorise monologues.

Males, aged 18 to 35 from Victoria, Australia

Dr Gall

(She/Her pronouns, any age)Head of Physiological, Biochemical and Experimental Department. Dr Gall is a genius, and very self-assured in her scientific endeavours. Dr Gall shares Domins vision of a better world – regardless of who or what the world is better for. Although good hearted, will Dr. Gall go too far and threaten the entire human race? Character will ultimately question their life’s work and actions. Actor will be required to speak scientific jargon.

Females, aged 18 to 70 from Victoria, Australia

Fabry

(All genders, any age)The General Technical Master of RUR Factory. This character is upbeat, will find the humour of most situations and often brings a room together by breaking tension. There’s lots of room to interpret and have fun with this character.

Males, aged 18 to 70 from Victoria, Australia

Consul. Busman

(All genders, any age; written as male)The General Business and Accountants Manager, and Head of Marketing. Busman is logical, always focused on numbers, mature and believes in the necessity of their work. A likable character, but does not see robot’s as anything but profitable-non-human-workers.

Males, aged 18 to 70 from Victoria, Australia

Alquist

(He/Him pronouns, any age)Head of the Building department, Alquist is more humble than the other masters at RUR and refers to himself as ‘just a builder’. This reserved character doesn’t support their mission, but is strongly opinionated that robots shouldn’t exist.

Males, aged 18 to 70 from Victoria, Australia

Nana

(She/her pronouns, 30s plus, preferably older)She works for Helena and thinks that the robots are blasphemous. She works for minimum wage but has maximum rage! The play portrays her as being possibly right about robots, but also ridiculous. She is a humorous and sassy character. Strong Australian/rural accent encouraged.

Females, aged 30 to 70 from Victoria, Australia

Radius

(any genders, any age)Head of factory library, Radius learns the entirety of human race’s history, and comes down with a potential case of a robot having a ‘soul’. Radius is conflicted, and clever, and bitter, ultimately leading them to become the head of the robot revolution.

*Robots as they were originally conceived in this play are not metallic, they are made out of flesh. So a focus on physical acting to convey non-human qualities will be a focus.

Males, aged 18 and over from Victoria, Australia

Sulla

(She/her pronouns, any age)Secretary for Domin. Sulla appears and acts very human. A top of the line robot.Will have a dual role as ensemble Robot.

*Robots as they were originally conceived in this play are not metallic, they are made out of flesh. So a focus on physical acting to convey non-human qualities will be a focus.

Females, aged 18 to 70 from Victoria, Australia

Marius

(any gender, any age)Assistant for Domin. Marius is also very human like and works with Sulla to preform ‘company spiel’ at start of play.Will have a dual role as ensemble Robot.

*Robots as they were originally conceived in this play are not metallic, they are made out of flesh. So a focus on physical acting to convey non-human qualities will be a focus.

Males, aged 18 and over from Victoria, Australia

Robot 1, 2, 3 & 4 (Ensemble)

(any gender, any age)Some on stage ‘back stage’ work will be performed by ensemble as well as the end revolution!

We can add or reduce our robot ensemble depending how many people audition.

*Robots as they were originally conceived in this play are not metallic, they are made out of flesh. So a focus on physical acting to convey non-human qualities will be a focus.